Optima Mid taller front shock tower

[Pluginz]

Hello all :-)

Long time reader first time poster. Great forum. I just wanted to say thanks for all the information on here. Its superb! :-)

I used to race RC cars back in 1988-1992. Raced a few different models. Ultima, Mid, CAT, Cougar. But I kept my Optima Mid just incase I ever wanted to rebuild it again in the future.

Zoom forward to 2016 and i've completely restored my old SWB mid as much as i can. I want to race it at Kidderminster this year in the vintage class, maybe even against modern stuff. I want it to be competitive. Can it be?

In 1989

[IMG][/IMG]

2005

[IMG][/IMG]

2016

[IMG][/IMG]

Now, i've tried to update the suspension as much as i can with Lazer ZX parts, wishbones, hubs, knuckles, CVD's, but i think i've made an error buying short front shocks.
Reading on the forums i see people saying the old Optima Mid doesn't have enough suspension travel to compete against new machinery.
What part of not enough suspension travel do they mean? The front?
My rear shock tower is Lazer but the front is still old Optima mid. Is this where i will struggle and get problems? I see the Lazer having a taller front tower and med shocks.

I've considered getting a taller front shock tower and medium shock with short spring, but is it really neccesary?? And what will i gain?

Thanks for any advice :-)

Baz

[mr. ed]

I think you'll be ok with the lazer front suspension already in place and the new shocks. But of course a lot depends on what kind of track you'll be running on.
More to the point I'd think is upgrading to a decent slipper.

[Pluginz]

Ah thanks for the advice bud.

Ok i will leave the front as it is.
Slipper clutch you say. Right ok i'll have to look into that, maybe get a shaft from another Kyosho model or something.
My Transmitter is KO Propo Vantage and has a few nifty settings on there, torque curve, throttle curve.
I'll see how I go then. April 24th.

This is the track

http://www.brca-midwest.co.uk/clubs_kidderminster.html

Thanks for tips m8.

Baz

[Peakey]

Speak to alcyon about a slipper, apparently these are the ones to have

http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84698

[HKS_TRD]

If Alcyon has sold all his layshafts I have a 2 piece one made by someone who was on this forum which accepts avB4 slipper which I was planning on listing on eBay shortly

[Pluginz]

Aww what helpful guys you are :-)

Oooo a slipper clutch, that's pretty neat. Thanks Peakey. I'd certainly like to get my hands on one of those for sure.
I'll try and PM this Mr Alcyon and see what he says. If no good then i'll definitely have that one you have HKS_TRD

Thanks very much again :-)

[alcyon]

Sorry.been out of these forum for way too long. I think if you race indoors the stock shocks and towers will do fine.

[Suzukitudor]

Check their website they have lots of Carbon parts for lasers optimas etc etc.

I can highly recommend Alcyons slipper that runs with the Associated VTS multiplate clutch.

www.fibre-lyte.co.uk

They can also make parts up to order if you can provide a cad.

[Pluginz]

Thanks for more replies guys

Well, the track is astro turf, bit of dirt and paved sections.

This is the track

https://youtu.be/sPWrEJS5pjs

So not in doors. Not too bumpy and little jumps. Obviously these newer cars will be quicker, but i'm gonna give it my best shot. Lots of testing to be done.

I feel like a little kid in a sweet shop. I'm so excited and looking forward to racing my old Mid again, its quite hard to explain.

Cheers for Fibrelyte link.
They sell loads of kit for so many manufacturers and, not just for RC cars either, its unbelievable! Thanks.
I'll run my Mid for now and see how she works out. Maybe in future i'll consider and taller front tower. More cost involved, bloody money pit hehe

Its been that long since i last raced. So much for me to learn.

Question then?

Whats more effective?

Fancy electronics on a radio transmitter like torque curve and throttle punch?

Or a slipper clutch?

These new Big bore type shocks are nice. Just put some on the back.

[alcyon]

A clutch will help a lot to prevent the front end from lifting after landing also it helps with wheelspin. Suspension setting is important too.getting the balance right with the damping will ensure your ends dont bounce or flip.

[Pluginz]

Thank you for the advice Alcyon, appreciated :-)

[Pluginz]

I've ordered the layshaft from Alcyon

Cant wait for it to arrive.

[alcyon]

Originally Posted by Pluginz

I've ordered the layshaft from Alcyon

Cant wait for it to arrive.

Sorry for the delay in replying. I have pmed you my phone number. You can whatsaap me. Are you on facebook ?

[Pluginz]

Hey no worries Alcyon :-)

Okies thanks for your phone number bud. WhatsApp sounds like a good choice. I use Whatsapp for web and it takes the hassle and pain out of typing :-)

Baz